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Jessica Sjöstedt
Forsknings- och utvecklingsingenjör
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Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting involves analysing organic and inorganic compounds, surfaces, elements. FT-IR, light microscopy and SEM / EDX are most common but also GC-MS, separation techniques are also used to solve the problems that processes and products encounter.
What is Troubleshooting?
Troubleshooting is the process of identifying, analysing, and resolving issues or faults in a system, product, or process. It involves systematically examining possible causes of a problem to find and implement a solution.
Troubleshooting is essential when processes and products become contaminated for various reasons, causing operational issues that can lead to economic and environmental consequences, as well as potential customer complaints.
Troubleshooting with microscopes
Light microscopy uses visible light to magnify small objects, making it an essential tool for troubleshooting material and process issues. It is particularly effective for examining surface morphology, fiber composition, and damage, and is commonly used to analyze vascular cells, starch, optical brighteners (OBA), and printing inks in cellulose production.
Key Applications in Troubleshooting:
- Fiber Composition and Damage: Identifies fiber types, structural issues, and damage.
- Surface and Coating Defects: Analyzes surface morphology, coating thickness, and material defects.
- Deposits and Quality Control: Examines deposits, tape deductions, and material properties for quality control.
In cellulose and fiber processes, light microscopy helps analyze compounds like magnesium hydroxide (MgOH₂), calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), stone cells, coatings, and microorganisms, ensuring better material handling and improved product quality.
Troubleshooting with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) uses an electron beam to image surfaces at ultra-high resolution, enabling the observation of details on the nanometer scale. It is essential for troubleshooting material issues by providing insights into the structure and morphology of surfaces.
RISE specializes in identifying and controlling smudges, stains, and deposits in various samples, including pulp, paper, paperboard, scraps, rubber sheets, printed products, solutions, incrustations, and metals. Our SEM analysis includes surface morphology studies, crystal structure analysis, and cross-sectional inspections to assess internal structures.
We are also experts in filler distribution, pigment coverage, elemental composition, and coating layer analysis, helping to troubleshoot material quality and optimize manufacturing processes.
Contact Marie Tjärnström
Troubleshooting of organic and inorganic compounds
We analyse a wide range of samples, including pulp, paper, cardboard, scrap, stains, rubber materials, printed products, solutions, oils, dirt, and deposits.
Our methods identify various chemical compounds, such as polymers (thermosets, rubber, thermoplastics), biomolecules (polysaccharides, polypeptides, lipids, polynucleotides), and organic compounds (aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons, alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, esters, carboxylic acids).
Organic Compounds: Small samples, such as dots, can be difficult to analyse chemically. We address this by micro-extracting samples for further analysis using techniques like gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.
Identification of Materials for Troubleshooting
- Organic Molecules
- Chemical Compounds
- Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis
- Low Detection Limits for Troubleshooting
Specialized Services
- Lignans and extractives
- Organic acids: Analysis of acids such as levulinic acid, ethanol, lactic acid, etc.
- Black liquors
- Rosin
- Anthraquinone
- Carbon Compounds and Sulphur Compounds
- REACH Regulation and Chemical Analysis
- Fountain Solution in Printing
Troubleshooting with Chemical Compound Separation
Organic acids are common in various types of samples within the forestry and paper production industries.
By using efficient separation and purification methods, companies in the forestry and biorefining sectors can increase production capacity, reduce waste, and improve sustainability in their processes. This can lead to increased profitability and market competitiveness, while contributing to a more sustainable use of natural resources.
- Cooking Liquids
- Acidic Liquor
- Yeast Tank Samples
- Black Liquor
- Optical Brighteners
Analyse inorganic and organisc ions
Process control in the cellulose industry is essential for reducing operational issues. Analysing carbohydrates and anions, such as oxalate, chloride, sulfite, sulfate, and thiosulfate ions, provides valuable insights into the chemical balance.
Common analyses include:
- Sulfite, sulfate, and thiosulfate ions
- Oxalate analysis
- Paper and pulp sample analysis
- Chlorine and sulfur content
- Chlorine content
Troubleshooting and Metal Analysis
In the forestry industry, metals are often present in various materials and processes. For example, metals can be used as additives in chemical treatments for wood or as catalysts in various processes. At the same time, metals may also appear as unwanted contaminants in raw materials or as deposits on equipment and machinery.
By using methods with low detection limits, RISE can identify and quantify metals in samples from various forestry industry processes. This includes not only detecting the presence of metals but also assessing their concentrations and potential effects on processes and products. Examples include the ability to measure:
- Manganese
- Calcium
- Recycling Process Analysis
- New Wood and Material Sourcing
More information
Troubleshooting in Pulp, Paper, and Materials:
You can analyse a wide range of samples, including scrapes, dots, oils, solutions, and more, without the need for sample preparation. Our analysis is both qualitative and quantitative, providing valuable insights for problem-solving, addressing customer complaints, and supporting quality control across different raw materials.
Types of Samples for Troubleshooting:
- Pulp, paper, cardboard
- Scrapes, dots, rubber cloth
- Printed end products, solutions, oils, smears
- Incubators, piglets
Identification of Organic and Inorganic Compounds:
- Organic Compounds: Polymers, biomolecules (lignins, carbohydrates, oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, cellulose, vitamins), aromatic compounds, aliphatic compounds, hydrocarbons.
- Molecular Groups: Alkanes, alkenes, arenes, alkynes, esters, carboxylic acids, alcohols.
- Inorganic Compounds: Carbonates, carbides, organometallic complexes, minerals, halides, sulphates.
Materials for Troubleshooting: Our troubleshooting capabilities extend to a variety of materials, including:
- Scrapes, dots, rubber cloth, printed end products, incrustations, metals.
Important Considerations for Sample Submission:
- Ensure scrapes are placed in a jar when sampling.
- Avoid marking too close to the defect or problem area.
- Exposure tests are conducted at RISE in Örnsköldsvik.
- Send references for comparison, including process and functional chemicals/materials. A good reference test helps compare the problem sample with a controlled or ideal sample.
